Alma 58:1-41

Chapter 58

Helaman, Gid, and Teomner take the city of Manti by a stratagem—The Lamanites withdraw—The sons of the people of Ammon are preserved as they stand fast in defense of their liberty and faith. About 63–62 B.C.

Helaman turned his attention to the city of Manti. He followed the Nephite tactic of attempting to confuse the enemy through using a decoy. “And it came to pass that Moroni, having no hopes of meeting them upon fair grounds, therefore, he resolved upon a plan that he might decoy the Lamanites out of their strongholds” (Alma 52:21).

This attempt failed. They stayed in Manti and were too numerous for Helaman’s army to attack.

Helaman decided it was more important to defend the land they had taken and wait for reinforcements and supplies from Zarahemla. He sent a group to the governor to brief him on what had been done by his warriors.

While the Nephites were waiting, the Lamanites were receiving reinforcements and provisions. The Nephites were in a position where they could do nothing. Things remained the same for months. They were also running out of provisions.

Finally, provisions arrived. An additional 2,000 men arrived to reinforce Helaman’s army.

They needed more provision than had been sent. Why more had not been sent was not known. They feared the judgements of God may have come upon the Nephites and the government had been overthrown.

Not knowing the state of the government, Helaman’s army prayed fervently, asking God to strengthen them and deliver them out of the hands of their enemies. They also prayed, asking God to support them so they could hold on to the cities they held.

They received God’s assurance they would be delivered. He also increased their faith and hope in Him and his actions. The warriors were determine to defeat their enemies and maintain their lands and their freedoms.

The stripling warriors in the Book of Mormon (see Alma 53; 56–58) prayed earnestly that God would strengthen and deliver them out of the hands of their enemies. Interestingly, the answers to these prayers did not produce additional weapons or an increased number of troops. Instead, God granted these faithful warriors assurance that He would deliver them, peace to their souls, and great faith and hope for their deliverance in Him (see Alma 58:11). Thus, the sons of Helaman did take courage, were fixed with a determination to conquer, and did go forth with all of their might against the Lamanites (see Alma 58:12–13). Assurance, peace, faith, and hope initially might not seem like the blessings warriors in battle might want, but they were precisely the blessings these valiant young men needed to press forward and prevail physically and spiritually.[1]

The army went forward at night and pitched tents on the wilderness side of the city of Manti. In the morning, the Lamanites saw the army and sent spies to learn the size and strength of the army.

They found Helaman’s army was not very strong (by numbers). They were also concerned their city could be cutoff from future support. The Lamanites decided they could easily defeat Helaman’s band of warriors, they prepared to go to war. Helaman had Gid and Teomner take a small number of men and hid in the wilderness. Gid was on the right and Teomner was on the left.

The Lamanite army came out of the city. They were far more numerous than Helaman’s warriors. As they were about to attack Helaman’s warriors, he ordered his men to retreat into the wilderness.

The Lamanites followed them into the wilderness. They passed by Gid and Teomner without seeing them.

Once the Lamanites had passed, Gid and Teomner moved and cut off Lamanites spies so they could not return to the city. They went into the city and defeated the guards left behind to protect the city. When it was over, Gid and Teomner controlled the city. Helaman marched his army towards Zarahemla, leaving Gid and Teomner to hold the city.

Seeing Helaman’s army march towards Zarahemla, they became concerned they were approaching a Nephite army. They retreated back into the wilderness, going in the same direction from where they came. At nightfall, they pitched their tents. The Lamanite chief captains assumed the Nephites were weary from marching. They also believed this was the entire Nephite army, so they weren’t concerned about Manti.

At night, Helaman had his army march towards the land of Manti, taking a different route than they did earlier. When they arrived at the city of Manti, the Lamanites were not there. Their evening march left them behind. Helaman was able to take Manti without bloodshed.

The Lamanite armies returned to Manti. They were astonished to learn Helaman’s army held the city. The armies retreated into the wilderness. They left the area, but they took many women and children with them.

The armies successfully took back cities the Lamanites had held (The land of Manti, or the city of Manti, and the city of Zeezrom, and the city of Cumeni, and the city of Antiparah” (Alma 56:14)).

While they were not successful at releasing all the prisoners, many were freed and returned to their homes.

Even though the Nephites had a small army holding many cities, they put their trust in God, knowing He would help them keep the lands and cities which belonged to the Nephites.

Trusting the Lord is important. You won’t find a better set of scriptures than in the Psalms.

“Blessed are all they that put their trust in him” (Psalms 2:12).

“And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee” (Psalms 9:10).

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God” (Psalms 20:7).

“Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us” (Psalms 62:8).

“The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory” (Psalms 64:10).

“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes” (Psalms 118:8- 9).

“They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever” (Psalms 125:1).

Helaman again tells Moroni, he, as well as his warriors, don’t understand why their needs aren’t being met by the government. He has no idea if Moroni has had success or drawn away Lamanite forces from them. If so, they don’t want to complain.

He speculates that might be a faction in the government that refuses to support his troops.^[2] Regardless, he knows God’s will deliver them, in spite of their weaknesses, out of the hands of their enemies. “But the LORD your God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies” (2 Kings 17:39).

As the year ends, the Nephites had retaken their lands and the Lamanites have fled to the land of Nephi.

Helaman finishes his report. His troops have suffered numerous wounds. Yet, not one has perished in battle. They still stand strong, fighting for their liberty and the liberty of their families. They are strong in their faith, keeping the laws of God.

And here the epistle ends.

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[1] The Windows of Heaven, Elder David A. Bednar, October 2013 General Conference.

[2] “But behold, there are those who do joy in your afflictions, yea, insomuch that they have risen up in rebellion against me, and also those of my people who are freemen, yea, and those who have risen up are exceedingly numerous” (Alma 61:3).

Alma 57:1-36

Chapter 57

Helaman recounts the taking of Antiparah and the surrender and later the defense of Cumeni—His Ammonite striplings fight valiantly and all are wounded, but none are slain—Gid reports the slaying and the escape of the Lamanite prisoners. About 63 B.C.

Helaman continues his report on his army.

Having suffered a defeat at the hands of Helaman’s warriors, Ammoron sent Helaman an epistle offering to surrender the city of Antiparah for the prisoners he held. He responded he was sure his army could take Antiparah by force. He would only agree to exchange Lamanite prisoners for Nephite prisoners. Ammoron refused. Helaman began to prepare to take Antiparah.

While Helaman prepared, the people of Antiparah left the city and Helaman was able to take the city.

Provisions were provided for his army at the beginning of the year. Apparently, more of the sons of the Ammonites had reached the age where they could fight, so sixty more joined Helaman’s warriors. This strengthened his army.

Helaman decided to take the city of Cumeni. They surrounded the city and camped there. They were prepared to fight at night, should the Lamanites attempt to attack at night. The Lamanites attempted to attack at night many times, but were unsuccessful in their attacks.

Provisions finally arrived for the Lamanites. Helaman had his army take their provisions. He sent the provisions along with prisoners to Judea. After a few days, the Lamanites realized their provisions would never arrive because of the Nephite army. They Lamanites surrendered the city of Cumeni to Helaman.

Now Helaman faced a new problem. He had taken so many prisoners, he needed to use all his forces to guard the prisoners. Groups of prisoners would attack their guards with stones, clubs, or whatever they could find. Over two thousand prisoners eventually died in their attacks on their guards.

Something had to be done with the prisoners. Their provisions were to the point they were barely sufficient for Helaman’s army. It was determined to send the prisoners to the land of Zarahemla. Guards were assigned to move the prisoners.

The guards returned the next morning. When they returned, the Lamanites had attacked Helaman’s army. The arrival of the guards, along with more men and provisions, happened at an opportune moment. The Lamanites were about to overpower Helaman and his warriors.

The warriors fought bravely. With the additional support, they were able to defeat the Lamanites. They fought with such courage because of what their mothers had taught them. “If I were to ask you who it was that taught these great young warriors, all of you would know the answer—their mothers. My first invitation to you is to find out what their mothers taught them.”^[1]

After the Lamanites fled, Helaman ordered the wounded be taken from among the dead. When the wounded were found, two hundred has been seriously wounded. He was astonished to learn not one of his warriors had been killed. It turned out all of his warriors suffered many wounds.

May I speak to the parents of the Church and their sons for a moment. One of the powerful stories in the Book of Mormon teaches us of the influence that parents can have in the lives of their young sons. This is the account of 2,060 young men who volunteered to defend the liberty of their country. They were led into battle by Helaman, yet “there was not one soul of them who did perish; yea, and neither was there one soul among them who had not received many wounds” (Alma 57:25). Why? Because “they did obey and observe to perform every word of command with exactness.” Then Helaman explains the reason behind this great miracle: “I did remember the words which they said unto me that their mothers had taught them” (Alma 57:21). What did their mothers teach them? “That there was a just God, and whosoever did not doubt, that they should be preserved by his marvelous power” (Alma 57:26).^[2]

What made this even more miraculous was that over one thousand Nephite soldiers had died in the conflict. Helaman tells us, through the faith of his warriors on what they had been taught, they were preserved by the power of God. “Now this was the faith of these of whom I have spoken; they are young, and their minds are firm, and they do put their trust in God continually” (Alma 57:27).

One of the most effective ways we can influence our sons and daughters is to counsel with them in private interviews. By listening closely, we can discover the desires of their hearts, help them set righteous goals, and also share with them the spiritual impressions that we have received about them. Counseling requires courage.

Try to imagine what the rising generation could become if these five righteous patterns were practiced consistently in every home. Our young people could be like Helaman’s army: invincible (see Alma 57:25--26).^[3]

The wounded had been cared for and the death of both sides had been buried. Helaman asked Gid what had happened to the prisoners who had bene going to Zarahemla.

Gid told him they were on their way to the land of Zarahemla, but the met spies who had been watching the Lamanite camp.

Gid was told the Lamanites were marching towards the city of Cumeni. The army was strong enough to defeat the Nephite army. The prisoners, hearing this, rebelled against their guards.

As the Lamanite prisoners rebelled, they attacked their guards. The guards defended themselves with appropriate force. Many prisoners died. The rest were able to escape.

Gid was not able to overtake the fleeing prisoners, so they sped towards Cumeni to support Helaman’s army. With the addition of Gid’s soldiers, they were able to defeat the Lamanite army and hold Cumeni.

Closing this post, I would like to share an experience an LDS commander had during the Korean War.  This is a modern day example of faith and war. Elder Dallin Oaks shared this story.

In the early months of the Korean War, a Richfield Utah National Guard field artillery battery was called into active service. This battery, commanded by Captain Ray Cox, consisted of about 40 Mormon men. After additional training and reinforcement by reservists from elsewhere, they were sent to Korea, where they experienced some of the fiercest combat of that war. In one battle they had to repel a direct assault by hundreds of enemy infantry, the kind of attack that overran and destroyed other field artillery batteries.

What does this have to do with overcoming the desire for sleep? During one critical night, when enemy infantry had poured through the front lines and into the rear areas occupied by the artillery, the captain had the field telephone lines wired into his tent and ordered his numerous perimeter guards to phone him personally each hour on the hour all night long. This kept the guards awake, but it also meant that Captain Cox had scores of interruptions to his sleep. “How could you do that?” I asked him. His answer shows the power of an overriding desire.

“I knew that if we ever got home, I would be meeting the parents of those boys on the streets in our small town, and I didn’t want to face any of them if their son didn’t make it home because of anything I failed to do as his commander.”

What an example of the power of an overriding desire on priorities and on actions! What a powerful example for all of us who are responsible for the welfare of others—parents, Church leaders, and teachers!

As a conclusion to that illustration, early in the morning following his nearly sleepless night, Captain Cox led his men in a counterattack on the enemy infantry. They took over 800 prisoners and suffered only two wounded. Cox was decorated for bravery, and his battery received a Presidential Unit Citation for its extraordinary heroism. And, like Helaman’s stripling warriors (see Alma 57:25–26), they all made it home.[4]

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[1] Remember the Teachings of Your Father, Elder H. Bryan Richards, October 2004 General Conference.

[2] “As for Me and My House, We Will Serve the Lord,” Elder H. Bryan Richards, October 1998 General Conference.

[3] Courageous Parenting, Elder Larry R. Lawrence, October 2010 General Conference.

[4] Desire, Elder Dallin H. Oaks, April 2011 General Conference.

Alma 56:1-57

Chapter 56

Helaman sends an epistle to Moroni recounting the state of the war with the Lamanites—Antipus and Helaman gain a great victory over the Lamanites—Helaman's two thousand stripling sons fight with miraculous power and none of them are slain. Verse 1, about 62 B.C.; verses 2–19, about 66 B.C.; and verses 20–57, about 65–64 B.C.

Moroni’s army has been having success in their campaign in their part of the land. Mormon now breaks into our narrative and takes us to another part of the war. Moroni received an epistle from Helaman, giving him an update in his part of the land. “And now it came to pass that Helaman did march at the head of his two thousand stripling soldiers, to the support of the people in the borders of the land on the south by the west sea” (Alma 53:22).

Helaman had taken his army towards the city of Judea to assist the appointed leader, Antipus, of that part of the land. When they arrived, Helaman combined his army with Antipus’s, significantly

Strengthening his army. He had not fared well in his battle with the Lamanites. He had suffered many casualties that had weakened his army. Antipus told Helaman the people mourned the loss of so many, but they had died for the cause of God and their liberty.

They did have many prisoners, all of which were Lamanite chief captains.

The Lamanites had taken of control of many lands and cities – land of Manti, the city of Manti, the city of Zeezrom, the city of Cumeni, and the city of Antiparah.

Helaman had come at a time when the people were discourage. They had fought hard and suffered greatly during the battles. They had not accomplished much. Still, they intended to conquer the Lamanite army or die trying.

Ammoron had ordered his army not to attack Helaman’s army nor take the city of Judea. His plan was to hold the cities they had won in battle.

Because of the Lamanite fortification of the cities, Helaman attempted to draw the Lamanites out of the cities to fight. Spies were sent to watch Lamanite movement so Helaman would know where they were going.

The Lamanites knew they couldn’t attack a Nephite city. This would expose their army and cities to Nephite attack. They stood a good chance of losing their cities. So, the forces of the Lamanites remained in the cities so as not to lose them to a Nephite attack.

During this time, provisions were sent to Helaman’s warriors by their parents. Two thousand men were also sent from Zarahemla. The Nephite army numbered 10,000. There were adequate provisions for the soldiers as well as their wives and children.

The Lamanites decided something must be done to stop the delivery of provisions and soldiers joining the army. They began to come out of their cities to attack to prevent the resupply of the Nephites.

Seeing the unease of the Lamanites, Antipus ordered Helaman to march towards Antiparah, attempting to appear as a resupply convoy. The purpose was to have the Lamanites attack Helaman’s army. General Moroni had used this strategy earlier. “And it came to pass that Moroni, having no hopes of meeting them upon fair grounds, therefore, he resolved upon a plan that he might decoy the Lamanites out of their strongholds” (Alma 52:21).

Helaman’s warriors marched towards Antiparah as if they had provisions while Antipus followed, waiting until Helaman approached Antiparah. Here there was where the strongest Lamanite army was stationed. Having been warned by their spies, the Lamanites pursued Helaman. Helaman continued to lead the Lamanites away from the city.

After they had travelled a distance away from the city, the Lamanites saw Antipus’s army was pursuing them. Seeing the Lamanites were closing on Helaman, Antipus increased the pace of his army. By night, Antipus had not caught up with the Lamanite army, and the Lamanites had not caught up with Helaman. The armies set up camp for the night.

By dawn, the Lamanites had continued their pursuit and were coming closer. Helaman’s army continued their march towards the wilderness. This continued until darkness had fallen. By morning, the Lamanites had almost caught up with Helaman, so his army fled. On the third day, the Lamanites ceased pursuit. Helaman did not know why.

Helaman spoke to his army. He explained he didn’t know why the Lamanites had stopped. He told them Antipus’s army may have caught up with them. He asked his army, “what say ye, my sons, will ye go against them to battle?” (Alma 56:44).

Showing great courage, the warriors agreed to join the battle. They proclaimed God was with them, and He would not allow them to fall. They were ready to fight with Antipus’s army.

They had never fought a battle before; nevertheless, all that mattered to them was to fight for the liberties of all Nephites. Because of their mother’s promise, they did not but that God would protect them and deliver them.

When they arrived, the battle had commenced. Because of the long march, Antipus’s army was weary and about to fall to the Lamanites. Antipus and many other leaders had fallen and the army was confused. Helaman and his warriors arrived and changed the course of the battle. There began a fierce battle. The Lamanites turned away from Antipus’s army and began attacking Helaman’s.

Antipus’s army took courage and began to attack the Lamanites from the rear. The Lamanites were forced to surrender, deliver their weapons, and become prisoners of war.

After the battle, Helaman asked for a count to identify the status of his army. To his great joy, not one of his warriors had perished in the battle.

The surviving part of Antipus’s army marched the prisoners to the land of Zarahemla. Helaman returned his army of warriors back to the city of Judea.

Alma 55:1-35

Chapter 55

Moroni refuses to exchange prisoners—The Lamanite guards are enticed to become drunk, and the Nephite prisoners are freed—The city of Gid is taken without bloodshed. About 63–62 B.C.

Ammoron’s response angered Moroni further.  He knew he was lying making his claims.  “Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart” (Nehemiah 6:8). He knew Ammoron was like his brother.  “[T]hus Amalickiah, by his fraud, gained the hearts of the people” (Alma 47:30).

Moroni had given Ammoron his terms. He refused.  He had made his claims clear earlier.  “Behold, I am in my anger, and also my people; ye have sought to murder us, and we have only sought to defend ourselves.  But behold, if ye seek to destroy us more we will seek to destroy you; yea, and we will seek our land, the land of our first inheritance” (Alma 54:13).

Moroni knew where the Lamanites held the Nephite prisoners.  Since Ammoron refused his terms, he will attack them with all his strength until they sue for peace.  Moroni first looked for a Lamanite among his army.

Moroni found a former servant of the Lamanite king assassinated by Amalickiah who was named Laman.  He had Laman and a small group to go to the place where the prisoners were held.

Laman and his party left for the city of Gid where the prisoners were held.  When the guards saw Laman’s group, Laman called to them.  He told them he was a Lamanite and his group had escaped from the Nephites while they slept.  He had also stole Nephite wine and brought it with him.

The guards were pleased.  The guards asked for some of the wine as they were very tired.  Laman refused, telling them to keep the wine until they faced the Nephites in battle.  The guards asked again.  They reminded Laman they would receive their ration of wine during the battle. 

Laman gave in to their requests.  The guards enjoyed the wine; however, the wine was a strong wine, and the guards became quickly drunk. “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1).  They eventually fell asleep.

Laman returned to General Moroni and told him what had happened and the state of the guards.  His plan was working.  He prepared his men and the marched to Gid.  They got weapons to the prisoners so they would be well armed.  Anyone who could use the weapons were armed, including women and children.

Throughout all the General’s efforts, there was quiet, and the guards did not wake up.

Once he had completed his task, the Lamanite guards were awakened.  They could all have been easily killed, but this was not General Moroni’s way.  He was not bloodthirsty.  His only desire was to prevent his people from being destroyed by the Lamanite army. 

The prisoners within the city were armed and were ready to possess the city within the wall.  Moroni took his army and surrounded the Lamanite army.

When the Lamanite woke up in the army, they founded themselves facing armed Nephites within the city and an army surrounding the city.  Their chief captains collected their arms and threw them down before General Moroni, pleading for mercy.

The Lamanites, having surrendered, were taken as prisoners.  He freed the Nephite prisoners, and many joined his army, strengthening it.  He then had the Lamanite prisoners fortify Gid.

Once Gid was fortified, General Moroni took the Lamanite prisoners to the city of Bountiful.  He left them there and placed a strong force to protect the city.

The Nephites continued the fight and were victorious.  They were able to return captives to freedom. 

Frequently, the Lamanites attempted to surround the Nephite army.  They also attempted to give the Nephites wine.  Some of the wine was poisoned in the hopes of weakening the army.  These attempts failed.

In spite of their suffering, The Nephites acknowledge the Lord’s hand in all things.  They were never fooled by the best efforts of the Lamanites. 

“But notwithstanding their riches, or their strength, or their prosperity, they were not lifted up in the pride of their eyes; neither were they slow to remember the Lord their God; but they did humble themselves exceedingly before him. Yea, they did remember how great things the Lord had done for them, that he had delivered them from death, and from bonds, and from prisons, and from all manner of afflictions and he had delivered them out of the hands of their enemies. And they did pray unto the Lord their God continually, insomuch that the Lord did bless them, according to his word, so that they did wax strong and prosper in the land” (Alma 62:49-51).

Whenever the Lamanites attempted to give them wine, they would first have a Lamanite prisoner drink it.  If it were poisoned, it would either harm or kill the prisoner. 

The General now turned his efforts to attack the city of Morianton.  The Lamanites had fortified the city and were continually strengthening the army and sending in supplies.

Thus ended the 29^th year of the reign of the judges (around 57 B.C.).

Alma 54:15-24

Ammoron was less than pleased when he read Moroni’s epistle. He responded with an angry epistle.

Ammoron identifies himself as Amalickiah’s brother.  He accused Mormon of murdering him (“And it came to pass that Teancum stole privily into the tent of the king, and put a javelin to his heart; and he did cause the death of the king immediately that he did not awake his servants” (Alma 51:34). He vowed he would avenge his murder.  He made it clear he did not fear Moroni’s warnings in his epistle.

It has been over 500 years since Lehi’s party arrived in the promised land.  After all that time, there was still hatred of the Nephites by the Lamanites because Laman and Lemuel hated Nephi, claiming he wanted to rule over them. “Behold, it came to pass that I, Nephi, did cry much unto the Lord my God, because of the anger of my brethren. But behold, their anger did increase against me, insomuch that they did seek to take away my life. Yea, they did murmur against me, saying: Our younger brother thinks to rule over us; and we have had much trial because of him; wherefore, now let us slay him, that we may not be afflicted more because of his words.  For behold, we will not have him to be our ruler; for it belongs unto us, who are the elder brethren, to rule over this people. Now I do not write upon these plates all the words which they murmured against me.  But it sufficeth me to say, that they did seek to take away my life” (2 Nephi 5:1-4).

“And again, they were wroth with him when they had arrived in the promised land, because they said that he had taken the ruling of the people out of their hands; and they sought to kill him” (Mosiah 10:15).

After all that time, even Nephite dissenters can’t let go of what happened all those centuries earlier. 

Ammoron tells Moroni if he will lay down his arms and agree to be ruled by those who should rightly be the rulers, he will order his people to lay down their weapons.

Ammoron did agree to a prisoner exchange.  He, too, wanted to preserve provisions for his army.  He vowed to wage war until the Nephites agreed to his authority.  If they refused, he would utterly destroy the Nephites.

As to this God, whom Moroni said they rejected, we know of no such being.  Ammoron was the typical non-believer.  “Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God” (2 Kings 17:14).

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?  and what communion hath light with darkness” (2 Corinthians 6:14).

Not only did he deny the existence of God, he also made it clear Moroni could not know of this God.

As to the devil and hell, Ammoron informed he would be sent to hell to dwell with his brother.  “But behold these things matter not” (Alma 54:22).

Ammoron then declares he is a descendant of Zoram.  He claims Nephi forcibly kidnapped him and took him with them against his will. 

He closes his response, declaring he is a Lamanite.  He is going to right all the wrongs done by Nephi and he will return to them their right to rule.  But, as we know, the only thing Ammoron cared about was the power he could obtain.  Nothing else mattered.

Alma 54:1-14

Chapter 54

Ammoron and Moroni negotiate for the exchange of prisoners—Moroni demands that the Lamanites withdraw and cease their murderous attacks—Ammoron demands that the Nephites lay down their arms and become subject to the Lamanites. About 63 B.C.

Ammoron contacted Moroni expressing a desire to exchange prisoners.  Moroni had ordered his army to collect Lamanite prisoners for future trades.  “And Moroni also sent orders unto [Teancum] that he should retain all the prisoners who fell into his hands; for as the Lamanites had taken many prisoners, that he should retain all the prisoners of the Lamanites as a ransom for those whom the Lamanites had taken” (Alma 52:8).

Moroni was pleased with the request.  He wanted the provisions for his own army as well as those guarding the prisoners to be available to strengthen his army.

The Nephites only took prisoners of the Lamanite troops.  On the other hand, Ammoron did not hesitate to take civilian prisoners, including women and children.  This was another reason why Moroni wanted a prisoner transfer.

He sent an epistle in response to Ammoron’s request.

Moroni begins by addressing the war Ammoron’s brother[1] had begun and he continued.[2]

He next teaches Ammoron concerning the justice of God.  The scriptures are full of references to God’s justice.  “Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face” (Psalms 89:14).

“And I said unto them that our father also saw that the justice of God did also divide the wicked from the righteous; and the brightness thereof was like unto the brightness of a flaming fire, which ascendeth up unto God forever and ever, and hath no end” (1 Nephi 15:30).

“O the greatness and the justice of our God!  For he executeth all his words, and they have gone forth out of his mouth, and his law must be fulfilled” (2 Nephi 9:17).

“Therefore if that man repenteth not, and remaineth and dieth an enemy to God, the demands of divine justice do awaken his immortal soul to a lively sense of his own guilt, which doth cause him to shrink from the presence of the Lord, and doth fill his breast with guilt, and pain, and anguish, which is like an unquenchable fire, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever” (Mosiah 2:38).

“Now it is better that a man should be judged of God than of man, for the judgments of God are always just, but the judgments of man are not always just” (Mosiah 29:12).

The sword of God’s wrath hands over him and his army unless they repent and return to their own land, the land of Nephi.  He also warned him about the hell that awaits murders like him and his brother. “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (Psalms 9:17).

“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).

“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41).

“But behold, I say unto you, the kingdom of God is not filthy, and there cannot any unclean thing enter into the kingdom of God; wherefore there must needs be a place of filthiness prepared for that which is filthy. And there is a place prepared, yea, even that awful hell of which I have spoken, and the devil is the preparator of it; wherefore the final state of the souls of men is to dwell in the kingdom of God, or to be cast out because of that justice of which I have spoken” (1 Nephi 15:34-35).

Except he repents and withdraws to his own land, this is the hell he will face. However, since he was a Nephite dissenter, he had already rejected the truth and Moroni expected him to do so again. He warned Ammoron his army was prepared to meet him and bring down the wrath of God upon them.

If they fail to withdraw, they will be visited with death. The Lord was with them.  “And again, the Lord has said that: Ye shall defend your families even unto bloodshed.  Therefore for this cause were the Nephites contending with the Lamanites, to defend themselves, and their families, and their lands, their country, and their rights, and their religion” (Alma 43:47).

Moroni realizes his words are in vain as he is talking to a child of hell.^[3] “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do.  He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him.  When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not” (John 8:44-45).

Moroni is prepared to come against him with his armies.  He will even arm women and children.  He will follow them into the land of Nephi was is the land of their first inheritance.[4]  In battle, he will destroy him off the face of the Earth.

“Note that those people were living in desperate, violent times. Even the great Nephite leader Moroni₁ could fall into the hatred rhetoric of the day. In a chilling forecast of the total Cumorah slaughter still four centuries ahead, he threatened the Lamanite king, Nephite dissenter Ammoron, that if he did not cease his campaign of attempted conquest he would turn the tables on him…”[5]

Moroni made it clear he and his people were angry.  The Lamanites had tried to murder them while the Nephites were defending themselves.  If they continue to try to destroy the Nephites, he will destroy the Lamanite army and retake the land of their first inheritance.

“It appears that the Nephites may have had similar feelings … [Moroni’s] outburst reveals one layer of Nephite animosity, which contrasts with the Lamanite tradition concerning what happened in the land of first inheritance. Whereas the Lamanites believed they had been tricked and cheated out of their proper place of authority, the Nephites believed they had been forced out of the land of first inheritance. Incidentally, this provides further support that Zeniff ’s return had a more serious purpose than simply seeking for a place of greater prosperity.”[6]

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[1] “And now it came to pass that, as soon as Amalickiah had obtained the kingdom he began to inspire the hearts of the Lamanites against the people of Nephi; yea, he did appoint men to speak unto the Lamanites from their towers, against the Nephites” (Alma 48:1).

[2] “And it came to pass that the brother of Amalickiah was appointed king over the people; and his name was Ammoron; thus king Ammoron, the brother of king Amalickiah, was appointed to reign in his stead” (Alma 52:3).

[3] We see while Moroni was a great leader, man of faith, and general, he was not a diplomat.

[4] “And it came to pass that the Lord did warn me, that I, Nephi, should depart from them and flee into the wilderness, and all those who would go with me. Wherefore, it came to pass that I, Nephi, did take my family, and also Zoram and his family, and Sam, mine elder brother and his family, and Jacob and Joseph, my younger brethren, and also my sisters, and all those who would go with me.  And all those who would go with me were those who believed in the warnings and the revelations of God; wherefore, they did hearken unto my words. And we did take our tents and whatsoever things were possible for us, and did journey in the wilderness for the space of many days.  And after we had journeyed for the space of many days we did pitch our tents. And my people would that we should call the name of the place Nephi; wherefore, we did call it Nephi” (2 Nephi 5:5-8).

[5] Last-Ditch Warfare in Ancient Mesoamerica Recalls the Book of Mormon, John L. Sorenson, Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 9/2 (2000): 47.

[6] “And it came to pass . . .”: The Sociopolitical Events in the Book of Mormon Leading to the Eighteenth Year of the Reign of the Judges, Dan Belnap, Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 23 (2014): 131-132.

Alma 53:1-23

Chapter 53

The Lamanite prisoners are used to fortify the city Bountiful—Dissensions among the Nephites give rise to Lamanite victories—Helaman takes command of the two thousand stripling sons of the people of Ammon. About 64–63 B.C.

Having returned with the Lamanite prisoners, they were put to work.  They were required to bury the dead, both Lamanite and Nephite. 

Moroni went to Mulek with Lehi.  Lehi was given command of the city.  Mormon tells us Lehi had been with Moroni during most of the battle.  Lehi “was a man like unto Moroni” (Alma 53:2).  This was quite a compliment from one military leader (Mormon) to another (Lehi).  Describing Moroni, Mormon wrote, “Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men” (Alma 48:17).

After the Lamanites finished burying the dead, they were marched back to Bountiful.  There Teancum, following Moroni’s orders, had the prisoners fortify the land and city of Bountiful. He had them build “a breastwork of timbers[1]” (Alma 53:4) around the inner bank of the ditches.  They eventually circled the entire city of Bountiful with a strong wall.

Bountiful was secured and strong.  Lamanite prisoners were held here under guard.  Mormon tells us the reason prisoners were used for labor.^[2]  It was easy to guard them when they were working.  This freed up troops and strengthened the Moroni’s army.  Moroni had obtained Mulek.  It was a great victory taking and holding this city.^[3]  Mulek was also a stronghold for retaining prisoners.

For the remainder of the year, Moroni no longer attempted to battle the Lamanites.  Nevertheless, he continued to prepare his army for war, continued to fortify cities against the Lamanites and delivering their women and children from famine and affliction while providing food for his armies.

It was during this time dissensions amongst the Nephites occurred.  The Lamanites armies were on the west sea and in the south.  Moroni’s absence was responsible for these dissensions as the Lamanites had obtained possession of a number of cities.  This was caused by the iniquity of the people, placing them in dangerous conditions.

Mormon breaks into the narrative to remind us about the Ammonites. For their protection, they had been brought to the land of Zarahemla where the Nephites provided military protection for them.  The Ammonites had taken an oath they would never again take up arms and shed blood.  They were willing to die rather than violate their oath. “Now when the people saw that they were coming against them they went out to meet them, and prostrated themselves before them to the earth, and began to call on the name of the Lord; and thus they were in this attitude when the Lamanites began to fall upon them, and began to slay them with the sword” (Alma 24:21).

Seeing the effects of the Lamanites wars, the Ammonites wanted to take up arms and defend their country.[4]  “Obviously, had the Ammonites never made such a covenant in the first place, they would gladly have taken up arms and Helaman would gladly have embraced their military contribution. It was only this covenant, not an attitude of pacifism, that prevented the Ammonites from entering the war.”[5]

They were willing to break their oath against using weapons.  It was here where Helaman and his brethren intervened.  He knew “[i]f a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth” (Numbers 30:2).

He feared they would lose their souls if they broke their oaths. But, there was another option.

“Their wise priesthood leader, Helaman, knew that breaking a covenant with the Lord is never justified. He offered an inspired alternative. He reminded them that their sons had never been guilty of the same sins and therefore had not needed to make the same covenant. Though the sons were very young, they were physically strong and, more important, they were virtuous and pure. The sons were fortified by the faith of their mothers. Under the direction of their prophet-leader, these young men took their fathers’ place in defense of their families and homes.”[6]

The Ammonites had taken the oath; their sons had not.  The sons were brought together, and those who were able to take up arms agreed to fight. They willing entered into a covenant to fight for the liberty of Nephites (which they considered themselves to be).  They were willing to do all they could, even giving their lives to prevent their people from being brought into bondage.

There were two thousand young men who entered into the covenant and they asked Helaman to be their leader.

These were courageous and loyal young men.  They were true in all things.  They had been taught to keep the commandments of God.

Helaman accepted command of his “two thousand stripling soldiers” (Alma 53:22). 

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[1] “And upon the top of these ridges of earth he caused that there should be timbers, yea, works of timbers built up to the height of a man, round about the cities. And he caused that upon those works of timbers there should be a frame of pickets built upon the timbers round about; and they were strong and high.” (Alma 50:2-3).

[2] This wasn’t the only instance of prisoners being used as laborers.  “And it came to pass that he did cause the Lamanites, whom he had taken prisoners, that they should commence a labor in strengthening the fortifications round about the city Gid” (Alma 55:25).

[3] “And thus he went on, taking possession of many cities, the city of Nephihah, and the city of Lehi, and the city of Morianton, and the city of Omner, and the city of Gid, and the city of Mulek, all of which were on the east borders by the seashore” (Alma 51:26) & “Therefore he caused that Teancum should take a small number of men and march down near the seashore; and Moroni and his army, by night, marched in the wilderness, on the west of the city Mulek; and thus, on the morrow, when the guards of the Lamanites had discovered Teancum, they ran and told it unto Jacob, their leader” (Alma 52:22).

[4] Remember, they feared if they continued to fight, they would return to their previous ways. “Behold, I say unto you, Nay, let us retain our swords that they be not stained with the blood of our brethren; for perhaps, if we should stain our swords again they can no more be washed bright through the blood of the Son of our great God, which shall be shed for the atonement of our sins” (Alma 24:13).

[5] Were the Ammonites Pacifists? Duane Boyce, Journal of the Book of Mormon and Other Restoration, Scripture 18/1 (2009): 43.

[6] Personal Strength through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, Elder Richard G. Scott, October 2013 General Conference.

Alma 52:21-40

Failing to coax the Lamanites out of their fortified city, Moroni needed to come up with a new strategy.  He would decoy the Lamanites out of their strongholds.

He had Teancum take a small number men down ear the seashore.  Moroni and his army marched west of the city of Mulek. The next morning, the Lamanite guards found Teancum and his soldiers.  They ran and told their leader, Jacob.

Jacob had the Lamanite armies move against Teancum.  He felt he had the advantage as Teancum had few soldiers.  Teancum, seeing the army, retreated northward along the seashore.

Seeing Teancum’s soldiers flee before the Lamanite army, they became confident and continued to purse him.  While this was going on, Moroni ordered the army with him to take the city.  The few who were left behind could not withstand Moroni’s attack.  All who refused to give up their arms were executed.  In the past, Moroni had made that offer to the Lamanite leader Zerahemnah – give up your arms or die.  “… I command you by all the desires which ye have for life, that ye deliver up your weapons of war unto us, and we will seek not your blood, but we will spare your lives, if ye will go your way and come not again to war against us” (Alma 44:6).

Having taken possession of the city of Mulek, Moroni marched a part of his army to meet the Lamanites who had pursued Teancum and his soldiers.

While the Lamanite army was pursuing Teancum, they saw Lehi with his army coming towards them.  The army fled in confusion.  They were tired from their march and were facing a rested army.

They thought they were safe, not knowing they were fleeing right towards Moroni’s army.  Lehi did not move to overtake the fleeing Lamanites.  They would meet when the Lamanites met Moroni’s army.

Instead of safety, the Lamanites found themselves surrounded by the armies of Moroni and Lehi.  The Nephite armies were relaxed and at full strength. The Lamanites, on the other hand, were tired from their march.  Moroni gave the command to attack the Lamanites until they agreed to give up their weapons.

Jacob, the Lamanite leader and Nephite dissenter, ordered the army to attack Moroni’s army with full force. Jacob’s intent was to slay Moroni and his army and retake the city of Mulek.

Unfortunately for the Lamanites, the Nephites withstood Jacob’s attack.  Many on both sides died.  Moroni was wounded and Jacob was killed.

Lehi’s army also fought the Lamanite army.  The Lamanites battling Lehi’s army eventually surrendered and delivered their weapons of war to Lehi.  The remainder of the army became confused, not knowing where to go or where to fight.

Finally, the Lamanite chief captains threw their weapons at the feet of Moroni and commanded the remainder of the army to also surrender and give up their weapons. Many Lamanites refused to follow the commands of their chief captains.  The Nephite army confiscated their weapons and they became prisoners of war.  The number of prisoners exceeded the number of those who had died on both sides.

Alma 52:1-20

Chapter 52

Ammoron succeeds Amalickiah as king of the Lamanites—Moroni, Teancum, and Lehi lead the Nephites in a victorious war against the Lamanites—The city of Mulek is retaken, and Jacob the Lamanite is slain. About 66–64 B.C.

It’s morning. The Lamanites are ready to continue the battle with the Nephites. Their commander had not appeared. They went to him, and found him in his tent, dead. They saw Teancum and his army were ready to give battle.

The Lamanites were struck with fear. The gathered together and retreated to the fortified city of Mulek.

Amalickiah’s brother, Ammoron, was appointed both the leader of the army and king of the Lamanites. Once again, we see how Nephite dissenters are responsible for inciting the Lamanites to war. “Ammoron, a ‘bold Lamanite,’ was really a Nephite-Zoramite (Alma 54:23–24), and thus so were his brother Amalickiah (see Alma 52:3) and his (Ammoron’s) son who later became the Lamanite king Tubaloth (see Helaman 1:16).”^[1]

His first command was to maintain the cities they held.

Teancum, seeing the Lamanites were determined to hold their cities as well as their numbers, decided not to attack the Lamanites in their fortified cities.

Instead, he continued making preparations for war. Teancum had them built walls around the cities. This was a common Nephite tactic. “And now it came to pass that Moroni did not stop making preparations for war, or to defend his people against the Lamanites; for he caused that his armies should commence in the commencement of the twentieth year of the reign of the judges, that they should commence in digging up heaps of earth round about all the cities, throughout all the land which was possessed by the Nephites” (Alma 50:1).

He continued this until Moroni had sent reinforcements.

Moroni also ordered Teancum to keep all prisoners they captured. The Lamanites held many Nephite prisoners-of-war. Moroni intended to exchange Lamanite POWs for Nephite POWs.

Moroni also ordered Teancum to fortify the land Bountiful and secure a narrow pass through which the Lamanite army would need to pass to get to the land northward. Securing the pass allowed them to harass the Lamanite army.

Teancum was charted to protect his quarter of the land. Moroni told him he would do all he could to help rid the Lamanites from that land. He would also attempt to devise a strategy to re-take the cities held by the Lamanites as well as strengthen the cities that had not been taken by the Lamanites.

Moroni informed Teancum he could not support him directly. The Lamanites moved in on the Nephites along the borders of the land by the west sea. Moroni was forced to go against them to protect his land.

Messengers were sent to inform the queen of his brother’s death. Ammoron gathered a large army and marched against the Nephites. His goal was to harass and draw a large part of the Nephite forces from other parts of the land. (In Alma 52:13 the phrase [draw away] has a different meaning, referring not to persuading people to join a cause but to luring away and entrapping a military force”[2]).

He commanded those who possessed the cities to also harass the Nephites on the borders by the east sea. They should take possession of as much land as they were able.

Moroni established armies in to protect the south and west borders. He began to march his troops to assist Teancum in retaking lost cities. Teancum had received an order to attack and retake the city of Mulek.

Teancum began to prepare to retake Mulek. When he arrived, he saw he could not defeat the Lamanites because they were in the fortified city. His army retreated back to Bountiful to wait for Moroni and his army.

Moroni’s army arrived. A council of war was called an attended by Moroni, Teancum and their chief captains. They were trying to come up with a strategy to bring the Lamanites out of the city and gain an advantage over the Lamanites and retake Mulek.

Moroni sent a delegation to the Lamanites. They attempted to get their leader, Jacob, to come out of the city with his army and meet them on the plains. Here again we see a Lamanite leader, Jacob, who is not a Lamanite, but a dissident Nephite, a Zoramite. Jacob refused.

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[1] Alma’s Enemies: The Case of the Lamanites, Amlicites, and Mysterious Amalekites, J. Christopher Conkling, Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 14/1 (2005): 131.

[2] King Mosiah and the Judgeship, John A. Tvedtnes, Insights, Volume 23, 2003, Number 1, pg. 2. 

Alma 51:22-37

Moroni had successfully put down the king-men rebellion.  He was preparing for war with the Lamanites when the Lamanite army entered the land of Moroni, near the seashore.

The army, led by Amalickiah, drove the Nephites out of the land of Moroni. He was successful as those who attempted to defend the city were weaker than the Lamanite army.  The city fell under Amalickiah’s control. The Nephites fled to the city of Nephihah.  The people in the city of Lehi were preparing to face the Lamanite army.

Amalickiah kept part of the army in the city of Moroni and took the rest and continued attacking Nephite cities.  He took possession of Nephihah (“Mention of taking Nephihah in [Alma 51:26] is probably a scribal error, as it was captured much later; see Alma 59:5–11)”[1], Lehi, Morianton, Omner, Gid, and Mulek.  All of these cities were found along the Eastern sea shore.

Having taken control of a number of Nephite cities, Amalickiah continued his march.  They arrived came to the border of the land Bountiful, having killed many along the way.  There, they met Teancum and his army.  Earlier, Teancum had killed Morianton and defeated his army.  “And it came to pass that the army which was sent by Moroni, which was led by a man whose name was Teancum, did meet the people of Morianton; and so stubborn were the people of Morianton, (being inspired by his wickedness and his flattering words) that a battle commenced between them, in the which Teancum did slay Morianton and defeat his army, and took them prisoners, and returned to the camp of Moroni.  And thus ended the twenty and fourth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi” (Alma 50:35).

Amalickiah attacked Teancum’s army.  The Nephites were strong and more skilled in the arts of war.  They gained advantage over the Lamanite army.  The fighting continued until nighttime, and both armies withdrew.

Once everyone had gone to sleep, Teancum and a servant snuck into the Lamanite camp.  He found Amalickiah’s tent, went in, and placed a javelin through his heat, killing him instantly.  They returned to the camp, woke up his men, and told them what he had done.  He readied his army in case the Lamanites attacked. 

“And thus endeth the twenty and fifth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi; and thus endeth the days of Amalickiah” (Alma 51:37).

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[1] Revisiting “A Key for Evaluating Book of Mormon Geographies,” John E. Clark, Mormon Studies Review 23/1 (2011): 20.